12. Epilogue- August 10th, 2025
A riel sat by Pit, opening the last baby gift. Thank goodness she only had about three weeks left before her due date because this summer had been miserable. Now, all the guys had been amazing, but the heat, the sweating, and her huge belly had made her feel like a friggin’ beached whale. Plus, she had hemorrhoids to deal with because she’d been in the car, sitting too much on trips to Bluff Creek. No one warned her about that, which was a load of crap. But there had been some huge things happening that she couldn’t miss, and she wouldn’t have missed for anything.
Pit had worried about the swelling in her feet, so he’d put a little stool for her legs to be up on while they opened presents. He was going to be the best dad. He already had a lot of practice with being an uncle. She could still remember Justice’s face that day when his life changed.
She’d already seen Justice’s soft side even though he rocked his harsh lawyer face most times. His little one had him tied in knots but in the best way. Pit was thrilled that Justice’s son and their son would grow up together.
Pit’s face at the ultrasound had been delighted, but she still teased him sometimes about his comment about his son being so well-endowed and taking after his father. Men. Ariel was relieved she wasn’t having a little girl, though she wouldn’t mind one later. Ariel had hoped for a boy because growing up, she had been safe because of her older brothers, and she couldn’t think of anything better than that for her own kids.
Her little boy would have plenty of leather. Between all the brothers and both families, their little one had three pairs of toddler motorcycle boots, infant and toddler leather jackets, and so many onesies with sayings about bikers. She loved their family.
Pit hadn’t had any more trouble lately. At least she didn’t think so. He hadn’t mentioned it, and he’d promised to try to warn her if they did. He’d become even more protective of her when she started showing.
She’d backed off of work and everything she did now was online for Franks and Daughters Bail Bonds. She and Pit had talked with her family about Santa’s Slay MC. Everyone had thought it was a fantastic idea to have chapters in different cities to help people. Once Cider Creek had heard what the SOMC was doing, Bootstrap had said he wanted to do the same in Texas. Christmas 2025 would have three chapters of Santa’s Slay MC bringing hope and joy to people on Christmas Eve.
Ruth and Charlie walked over. “Ariel, how about a little break between gifts? You could have a drink and maybe a snack.”
Ariel nodded. “Thanks and a bathroom break would be great.”
At her words, Pit was there, grasping her hand and helping her up. She kissed him on the cheek and waddled to the bathroom. And she was definitely waddling, though she didn’t want anyone to tell her how cute it was. She might have been in a little bit of a bad mood when Cue asked her why she was walking funny the other day. After she’d thrown a bowl toward his head, he’d apologized and then delivered piping hot barbecue for supper that evening and the next.
She was surprised Pit hadn’t followed her into the bathroom. When he had to help her out of bed at night, he followed her in and then helped her up afterward. Her mom had warned her that when you had a baby, all modesty was lost at delivery. Heck, she’d lost all modesty now. Pit had shaved her legs for her the other day because there was no way she could reach her lower legs.
Of course, her man had made it into sexy time, which was fine by her. Her third trimester of pregnancy had made her hornier than before. Pit was always up for satisfying her cravings for him. They only had two positions that were comfortable for her, though—on her side lying down with Pit behind her or on her hands and knees. She was looking forward to when her man could toss her down on the bed and crawl on top of her. Who knew she’d be craving missionary style? She’d tried to ride him a month ago and lifting up her huge belly had made it more work than fun.
She finished up and washed her hands, then dried them. It sounded like the party was getting louder. She walked out, and Tack was standing at the door asking for Justice, but he was in his uniform.
“Does somebody need Justice to represent them?” Ariel asked.
Tack shook his head. “No, the police are outside. They need Justice. He’s wanted for questioning.”
“Questioning for what?” Ariel asked, though she didn’t think anyone heard her over all the commotion.
Justice walked out of the kitchen and handed some items to Pit, then leaned over close and whispered something in his ear. Pit nodded. Justice walked out the front door. Ariel tried to see, but Crux had placed himself in front of her.
“We need you and the baby safe. Even though they said they are doing it peacefully, all it takes is one hothead deciding he feels threatened,” Crux said. “Tack heard what was happening and came along because he promised he could keep it calm.”
Ruth and Charlie came up beside her. “You should call Scoop and Sarah, Ariel, and see if they can get us any info.”
Ariel nodded. She was worried about Justice. She wasn’t sure what was going on, but she was positive her man would have it under control as soon as possible. She could trust Pit because he’d given her the world.
She’d hoped the last couple weeks before she had the baby would be calm but obviously that wasn’t to be. What the heck had happened that they were taking Justice in?